Campaign unveiled to reach out to victims of hate crime across County Durham and Darlington

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is reaching out to victims of hate crime and urging them not to suffer in silence as she relaunches a major campaign to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The PCC has announced the return of the Hate Hurts campaign, in partnership with Durham County Council and Darlington Borough Council, as part of an ambitious programme of activity she has planned to spread the zero-tolerance message across the communities of County Durham and Darlington.

Hate crime is criminal behaviour that is motivated by disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or some other perceived difference.

It can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, bullying (both online and offline) and damage to property.

Hate Hurts raises awareness among the public about the impact of hate, what constitutes a hate crime and where to seek help and support if people become a victim. It reinforces the message that everyone has a right to feel safe and comfortable in their community, whether it is where they live, work, visit, go to school, attend church, play or watch sport of socialise.

Too many hate-related incidents remain unreported. The PCC is determined to change this by ensuring the public understands how seriously these crimes are taken by the police and the extensive support available for those victims who do come forward.

The campaign, which was originally launched in 2019 by the late Ron Hogg, Durham’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, and was renewed when Commissioner Allen came to office, will feature on adshells and digital billboards across the county from October 14.

It coincides with National Hate Crime Awareness Week which runs from 14-21 October and encourages communities affected by hate crime to work together to address the root of the problem and stand in solidarity with victims past and present.

Commissioner Allen said: “As PCC and Victims’ Commissioner, I am determined to play my part to eradicate the hate that can drive a wedge between our communities and leave people living in fear. There is absolutely no room for prejudice or hostility in County Durham and Darlington and I want to make it clear that anyone committing crimes motivated by such harmful opinions will feel the full force of the law.

“Hate Hurts is a powerful campaign that not only reminds victims they are not alone, but also serves to remind society of the necessity of tolerance, respect and acceptance. We must all work together to call out unjustness and prejudice and make our communities an inhospitable place for bigotry and hate-driven violence.  

“I fund a wealth of specialist services to support victims of hate crime as they recover from their experiences.Encouraging the reporting of these crimes is a key priority and I am working hard with partners to build confidence in these services and the criminal justice system in general. If you are a victim of hate crime, please reach out and help us to support you. You do not need to suffer alone.”  

Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for community safety, rural communities, and highways,said: “We are pleased to have committed funding to support the Hate Hurts campaign and ensure its messages are shared right across the county.

“It is important we raise public awareness of what constitutes as a hate crime and how to report it to keep our communities safe. People who have experienced hate crime may find it difficult to speak up, so we also want to make sure people know that there is support available and services which can help.”

Tackling hate crime is a key priority in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan.

The Commissioner has pledged to work with the Chief Constable and partners to promote hate crime prevention initiatives and encourage and facilitate the reporting of all forms of hate crime. She has also committed to introducing the voluntary recording of misogyny as a hate crime indicator and lobby the government for misogyny/misandry to become an official hate crime category and support educational campaigns to tackle the issue.

Dr Amanda Riley, Darlington Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Hate crime has a huge impact on so many residents and it is important that we come together as a community to ensure everyone feels respected and safe and that people know how to report hate crime and are confident their concerns will be taken seriously.”

For more information on the campaign visit: www.hatehurts.co.uk.

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